Expectations are high for the Tar Heels, who return a strong nucleus of players that includes highly touted sophomore forward Harrison Barnes. UNC is coming off a 29–8 finish last season, which included winning the ACC regular-season title and an appearance in the East Regional finals.

The Tar Heels received 30 of the coaches' 31 first-place votes, while No. 2 finished with 53 points in the preseason poll.

Also in the Top 10 are Ohio State, defending national champion UConn, Syracuse, Duke, Vanderbilt, Louisville, Memphis and Florida.